vouchsafe

[ vouch-seyf ]

verb (used with object)

, vouch·safed, vouch·saf·ing.

1. to grant or give, as by favor, graciousness, or condescension:

   to vouchsafe a reply to a question.

   Synonyms: accord, confer, bestow

2. to allow or permit, as by favor or graciousness:

   They vouchsafed his return to his own country.

verb (used without object)

, vouch·safed, vouch·saf·ing.

1. to condescend; deign.

vouchsafe

/ ˌvaʊtʃˈseɪf /

verb

1. to give or grant or condescend to give or grant

   she vouchsafed no reply

   he vouchsafed me no encouragement

2. may take a clause as object or an infinitive to agree, promise, or permit, often graciously or condescendingly

   he vouchsafed to come yesterday

3. obsolete.
   1. to warrant as being safe
   2. to bestow as a favour (upon)

Derived Forms

• ˌvouchˈsafement, noun

Other Words From

• vouch·safement noun
• unvouch·safed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vouchsafe¹

1275–1325; Middle English phrase vouche sauf. See vouch, safe

Word History and Origins

Origin of vouchsafe¹

C14: vouchen sauf; see vouch , safe

Example Sentences

The dolls do not talk; the little Genie that gave them their smile did not vouchsafe the gift of speech.

From Project Gutenberg

Let the female married victim ever make the most of such positive wrongs as Providence may vouchsafe to her.

From Project Gutenberg

And what flighty nonsense must you read, if you now will vouchsafe to correspond with me, as formerly!

From Project Gutenberg

Vouchsafe to taste of a poor banquet that stands sweetly waiting for your sweet presence.

From Project Gutenberg

Did God then vouchsafe a reply to the love which evidently dictated these prayers?

From Project Gutenberg